AHLA administers an annual Call for Leaders to fill vacancies for the next leadership year. Terms are staggered to prevent leaders from rotating off simultaneously.
AHLA seeks leaders who demonstrate excellence in health law, commitment to AHLA's mission, and who champion inclusive practices. All leaders must comply with AHLA's Code of Conduct, Non-Harassment Policy, Statement of Commitment, and the Conflict of Interest Policy.
How the Process Works
- Annual Call for Leaders — Opens July 1 each year via Volunteer Town Square
- Application — Complete Candidate Information Form through an online portal by October 31
- Review & Evaluation — Applications assessed on qualifications, AHLA involvement, professional accomplishments, and commitment to inclusion.
- Selection — The Nominating Committee recommends nominees to AHLA's Board for service on the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee, and for Fellows recognition. For all other leadership positions, appointment decisions are made by the President-Elect.
- Notification — Those appointed are notified and appointments announced in April.
- Orientation — New leaders participate in orientation and training sessions throughout the year.
Please note: AHLA uses AI-assisted tools to support an initial review of these leadership applications. If you have questions about this process, please contact Teshia Birts.
General Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years in health law (5 years for Board of Directors)
- Demonstrated AHLA or professional volunteer service
- Recognized accomplishments in health law
- Experience supporting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
- Willingness to fulfill leadership commitments
Expectations
- Maintain active AHLA membership while serving
- Serve the full designated term
- Attend and prepare for meetings
- Act with due care in AHLA's best interest
- Support the volunteer and leadership pipeline
- Participate in virtual orientation and leadership training
- Promote and attend AHLA educational activities
Term Limits
- Board of Directors: One two-year term, with eligibility to serve an additional three-year term (5 years total)
- Nominating Committee: One year, non-renewable
- President-Elect Designate (PED): The PED automatically advances each year through President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President — a four-year commitment in total.
- Early Career Professional Delegate to the Board: Two years, non-renewable (open every other year)
- Conference Planning Committee, Practice Groups, Councils, Review Board: Members-at-Large or Vice Chairs, one 3-year term and Chair or Co-Chair, additional 2-year term
Details Specific to Leadership Groups
President-Elect Designate (PED)
Current or recent Board members complete an online Candidate Information Form specific to the position. Using an agreed upon rubric, the Nominating Committee evaluates applicants on leadership abilities, vision, and consensus-building. The nominee is advanced to the Board of Directors for confirmation.
Conference Planning Committees
- Past attendance at relevant AHLA conference(s) preferred
Development and Advancement Council
- Demonstrated AHLA volunteer service
- Fundraising or donor development experience preferred
Dispute Resolution Service Council
- Interest and experience in ADR; intermediate experience preferred
Dispute Resolution Review Board
- Significant experience in arbitration, litigation, or mediation of health law disputes
Early Career Professionals Council
- Less than 10 years of professional experience when appointed
Women's Leadership Council
- Coordinates engagement opportunities for women and their allies within AHLA, including professional development content and networking events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Call for Leaders open? At AHLA's Annual Meeting.
What is the deadline for submitting a candidate information form for the Call for Leaders? October 31.
Can I nominate someone else? You can encourage a colleague to apply by sharing the link to the Candidate Information Form. All candidates must submit their own application.
How are candidate submissions evaluated? Based on qualifications, commitment to AHLA's mission, volunteer service, professional accomplishments, and a proven track record of fostering belonging and building welcoming, inclusive environments.
Can I serve in multiple leadership positions simultaneously? Due to high interest in serving, members are typically appointed to only one position at a time.
When is the new leadership announced each year? April 1.
When does a new leadership term begin? July 1.
Factors That May Prevent Selection
- Working in the same firm or organization as an existing member of the same leadership group
- Incomplete application
- Current leadership in a competing organization that would create a conflict of interest
- Unwillingness or inability to comply with AHLA's Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy, and Non-Harassment Policy
View Current Opportunities
Questions? Contact AHLA